Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys news, rumors and injuries

Dallas Cowboys DE Jeremy Mincey will meet with team coaches Sunday, Aug. 2, to discuss a new contract. It is unclear whether representatives of the Cowboys' front office will be in attendance for the meeting.

Dallas Cowboys RB Joseph Randle said he is working on his pass protection skills as he tries to improve on the intangibles he will need to win the starting running back job.

Fantasy Tip: Randle seems to have the inside track to the starting gig, but struggling with pass protection would be quick way to lose snaps. Randle and Darren McFadden will continue to battle to be the lead back, and the winner of the competition will be a potential RB2 with Dallas' stout offensive line paving the way.

Dallas Cowboys QB Tony Romo did not participate in practice on Wednesdays last season and likely will sit out those practices again during the regular season this year.

Fantasy Tip: Romo likely will miss those practices in order to stay healthy during the season. Romo should be a starting option against most opponents this season because of the weapons he will be working with on offense.

Dallas Cowboys RB Joseph Randle is the leading candidate for the starting running back job at this point. The team like Randle's vision and explosiveness and expect big things from him this season.

Fantasy Tip: Randle may be part of a committee at running back, but he should see a majority of the carries if he does not struggle during the preseason. Randle averaged 6.7 yards per carry last season, which shows his explosiveness. Randle could be a middle-round option in leagues if he wins the starting job.

Fantasy Tip: Romo likely will not be out for long but could sit out a few practices to allow the injury to heal. Romo will have solid weapons to work with on offense this season and could be a weekly starting option for fantasy owners.

Dallas Cowboys DE Greg Hardy (abdomen) suffered a minor rib strain during practice Thursday, July 30, according to sources. Hardy was able to finish practice but may be limited as a precaution in future sessions.

Updating previous reports, Dallas Cowboys CB Morris Claiborne (knee) attended practice Friday, July 31, but did not participate in team activities. He went through positional drills and appears to be healthy.

Dallas Cowboys WR Dez Bryant said his new contract won't change the way he approaches the game. "It's no pressure, man," Bryant said Thursday, July 30. "It's no pressure. That deal don't make me. It don't make me. I play this game because I love this game."

Fantasy Tip: Given his fiery nature on the field, it seems unlikely that Bryant's new deal will cause him to become complacent. Pencil him in for another year of elite production, and he should be one of the first receivers drafted.

Fantasy Tip: It was clear that Jackson didn't have much left to offer during his time in Atlanta, and he'd be hard pressed to beat out either Joseph Randle or Darren McFadden in the open running back competition in Dallas.

Dallas Cowboys RB Darren McFadden's (hamstring) hamstring injury is not the same hamstring he injured during organized team activities. Head coach Jason Garrett said he is hopeful McFadden will be back in a week.

Fantasy Tip: It's certainly not encouraging that McFadden is having issues with both of his hamstrings already, considering the season hasn't even started and considering his extensive injury history. McFadden is being drafted as a low-end RB2 to high-end RB3, but he comes with high risk.

Fantasy Tip: McFadden is expected to compete for the starting running back when he is healthy enough to practice. McFadden may not win the job but should still see solid playing time this season if he stays healthy. He could be a middle- to late-round option in leagues depending on his role.

Dallas Cowboys RB Joseph Randle received strong praise from team owner and general manager Jerry Jones Wednesday July 29. "We have a player (in Randle) that has the potential -- and we based that on, not on what he did at Oklahoma State or how we drafted him, but by literally being a teammate around here for the last two years -- but he has the potential to be the kind of back that would step in there and be your No. 1 back," Jones told reporters. "If he were not here, then I wouldn't feel as good as we go into the season and what might happen," said Jones.

Fantasy Tip: Randle should be selected as the first Cowboys' first running back in drafts, but sheepish owners may need to handcuff him to Darren McFadden.